Can you imagine the horror of discovering that your new home is infested with bats? For Isaiah and Monica Grant, this unimaginable nightmare became a reality when they found themselves facing an invasion of nearly 80 bats in their rental home in Ardsley Park, Georgia.
The Grants, who recently moved from Chicago with their toddler and infant, were forced to flee their home after the Georgia Department of Public Health declared it an “imminent health risk” on January 29. The couple first noticed a bat in their home on January 18, and within days, more bats started swarming inside, even flying down the stairs and coming through the vents.
“It was absolutely traumatizing,” Monica said in an interview with WSAV. “We knew something was wrong, and we had to get out of there.”
The Grants have been living with a neighbor ever since, as they refuse to return to their bat-infested home. Property manager Cathleen Barela claims that the rental company has been in contact with Savannah Code Compliance and is taking steps to remove the bats from the property. However, the Grants are still dealing with the aftermath of the ordeal.
In addition to the inconvenience of finding temporary housing, the family members were all instructed to get immediate rabies shots, which they have to pay for themselves. Bats are the leading cause of rabies deaths in people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is no treatment for rabies, and the consequences can be fatal.
The Grants have created a GoFundMe page to raise money for a new home and cover their growing medical expenses. Unfortunately, their renters’ insurance does not cover a bat infestation, and they are left to struggle with the financial burden on their own.
Despite this challenging situation, Isaiah and Monica have been overwhelmed by the support they have received from their community. They were contacted by someone who offered them a furnished townhouse to live in temporarily while they figure out their next steps.
The state of Georgia is home to 16 different species of bats, as reported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. While most bats do not have rabies, it is impossible to determine if a bat is infected just by looking at it. Laboratory testing is required for confirmation.
The Grants’ story serves as a reminder of the unforeseen challenges that homeowners can face. It’s important to have proper insurance coverage and take immediate action if faced with a similar situation. Let’s hope this resilient family finds a new home soon and can put this unforgettable experience behind them.
